Back in the days when neighboring Jerome was the most prestigious mining town in the Verde Valley, Clarkdale was the site of the smelter. Named for the man who financed the project, Senator William A Clark (of Montana), the Clarkdale Smelter was the start of the town. A “company town” for the mining industry in Clarkdale and Jerome, the historic town was the original “model community.”

FACTS AND FIGURES

Population
3534

Founded
1914, incorporated in 1957

Points of Interest

• Peck’s Lake: Clarkdale’s leading aquatic habitat, well known for a day of fishing, picnics, and relaxing in nature.

• Down Town Clarkdale is a flash to the past with its original buildings, antique emporium, and soda fountain preserving its historical atmosphere.

• The Arizona Central Railroad Company has a branch that runs a 19-mile scenic course along the Verde River from Clarkdale up to Perkinsville.